Taking First Steps

“Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Taking the first step can be one of the hardest things. Whether beginning an exercise regimen, wondering how to address health needs in your community or facing an illness, taking action proves to be quite difficult. Martin Luther King Jr. lived a life defined by his willingness to take the risky first step – and encouraging all of us to do the same.

Below are resources about how to use the life of King to impact your life, your church, and your community through the first small step.

Sermons or Reflections

Calling Us to Be Neighbors by Butch Odom

A Day On, Not a Day Off! by John M. Eisenberg, M.D., Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Compilation of Reflections at Textweek.com

Community Service

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Tool Kit – be service-minded this year and get involved in your community

USA Service Guide - Practical resources to plan a service day

Faith Groups to Focus on Day of Service –get your faith community involved in the celebration of Dr. King’s life and service

Sunday School Resources - Children's activities commemorating the teachings of Dr. King

Walk & Talk: Diversity (PDF) - Get your congregation and community talking about the role of diversity

Blogs

Confessions of a Small-Church Pastor- a pastor talks about how his all-white church began to actively celebrate Dr. King's birthday in January

Faith in Public Life - reflections on Dr. King's life and death

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